lace into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To hit someone hard, or to criticise someone very strongly.
Literal meaning: 'Lace' originally meant to beat or thrash, so 'lace into someone' literally meant to whip or beat them forcefully.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To attack someone physically with force and aggression.
"The older boy laced into him without any warning."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To criticise or scold someone angrily and very forcefully.
"The manager laced into the team after their dismal performance in the first half."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used for both physical attacks and verbal criticism. The verbal sense (criticising someone harshly) is the more common modern use. 'Lay into' is a more widely known alternative. Mostly British and Australian English.
Commonly used with
critic opponent politician performance government rival
Forms
Base
lace into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laces into
he/she/it
Past simple
laced into
yesterday
Past participle
laced into
have + pp
-ing form
lacing into
continuous
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